Apparatus for combining sheets of paper



12 Sheets-Sheet l INVENTOR. EDWIN R. HOYT BY ATTORNEY E. R. H'OYT Nov.13, 1956 APPARATUS FOR COMBINING SHEETS OF PAPER Filed June 14, 1952 1rd .runi \m o mmww RQ /7 Q Nu m Nov. 13, 1956 E. R. HOYT 2,770,080

APPARATUS FOR COMBINING SHEETS OF PAPER Filed June 14. 1952 l2Sheets-Sheet 2 LML INVENTOR.

EDWIN R. HOYT I ATTORNEY Nov. 13, 1956 E. R. HOYT 2,770,080

APPARATUS FOR COMBINING SHEETS OF PAPER Filed June 14, 1952- 12Sheets-Sheet 5 INVENTOR. sow/1v R. HOXT ATTORNEY Nov. 13, 1956 R HQYTAPPARATUS FOR COMBINING SHEETS OF PAPER.

12 Sheets-Sheet 4 Filed June 14, 1952 INVENTOR.

12 Sheets-Sheet 5 R. W .0 w N m% M e w A w w I D E Y 1 B I w r E. R.HOYT APPARATUS FOR COMBINING SHEETS OF PAPER m f \L Nov. 13, 1956 FiledJune 14, 1952 Nov. 13, 1956 E. R. HOYT 2,770,080

APPARATUS FOR COMBINING SHEETS OF PAPER Filed June 14, 1952 12Sheets-Sheet 6 BY (a;

ATTORNEY Nov. 13, 1956 E. R. HOYT 2,770,080

APPARATUS FOR COMBINING SHEETS OF PAPER Filed June 14, 1952' 12Sheets-Sheet 7 INVENTOR.

EDW/N R. HOYT ATTORNEY Nov. 13, 1956 E. R. HOYT 2,770,080

APPARATUS FOR COMBINING SHEETS OF PAPER Filed June 14. 1952 12Sheets-Sheet 8 INVENTOR.

EDWIN R. HOYT ATTORNEY NOV. 13, R HOYT APPARATUS FOR COMBINING SHEETS OFPAPER 12 Sheets-Sheet 9 Filed June 14, 1952 A TTOR/VEY Nov. 13, 1956 E.R. HOYT APPARATUS FOR COMBINING SHEETS OF PAPER Filed June 14, 1952 12Sheets-Sheet l1 Nov. 13, 1956 E. R. HOYT APPARATUS FOR COMBINING SHEETSOF PAPER 12 sheetswsheet 12 Filed June 14, 1952 INI'ENTOR.

EDWIN R. HOYT [M W2 ATTORNEY nited States Patent APPARATUS FOR COMBININGSHEETS OF PAPER Edwin R. Hoyt, Ashland, Oreg., assignor, by mesneassignments, to Don-Oliver Incorporated, Stamford, Conn, a corporationof Delaware Application June 14, 1952, Serial No. 293,535

6 Claims. (Cl. 51-75) This invention relates to the combining of sheetsof paper or the like, and more particularly to the combining ofrelatively thin paper sheets or webs along adjacent edges to form acombined sheet of increased width.

With respect to so called newsprint paper for which the presentinvention has found great applicability, the paper is manufactured atthe mill in relatively wide roll-s which are subsequently cut up invarious widths adapted for use with the various roll fed newspaperpresses. These presses do not all handle a standard width roll.Consequently, the paper making machines at the mill manufacture a rollinitially wide enough to provide for cutting into various widths inaccordance with the orders placed by customers.

In thus cutting an initially manufactured roll, a socalled mill end rollremains which is too narrow for use on any commercial roll fed printingpress. As an example, if a paper mill operates a 220" width paper makingmachine, and a customer places an order for tonnage of 34 width rolls,the result is that the paper mill would be able to cut out six 34 Widthrolls from the roll initially manufactured, leaving *a 16" width millend. The mill ends will vary in width generally up to as much as 16"(depending upon the size of the newsprint rolls which are cut out fromthe initially manufactured roll). Because these mill ends are notadapted for use in commerioal roll fed printing presses, they have,heretofore, been a more or less economic waste as they had no otheraccepted uses, except for the mill to shred or chop them and then runthe resultant paper stock back into the heaters.

If these mill ends were combined by mere overlapping and securingadjacent edges of the sheets thereof to thus form a plain lap joint, itis apparent that the thickness at the joint would be substantially twicethe thickness of the re ainder of the combined sheet. Consequently, millends combined by mere overlapping of adjacent edges could not beutilized as newsprint paper for two reasons. First of all, the combinedsheet could not be Wound properly into a roll because since thethickness at the joint would be substantially twice the thickness of theremainder of the sheet, the resultant roll would be substantially twicethe diameter at the jointed portion or portions compared to the diameterof the remainder of the roll. Secondly, even if such roll could bewound, such combined sheet of newsprint paper with a plain lap jointcould not take printed matter across the joint, and could not be runthrough roll fed printing presses.

Because newsprint paper is relatively thin, being approximately 0.003"in thickness, the combining of mill end sheets with a jointsubstantially the same thickness as the remainder of the sheet of paperpresents a problem.

Summarizing this invention, it comprises an apparatus whereby relativelythin sheets of paper or the like, particularly newsprint paper millends, can be combined along 'ice adjacent edges thereof to provide asheet of increased width in which the joint, or joints, is ofsubstantially the same thickness as the remainder of the paper so thatthe combined sheet can be rolled into a roll of uniform diameter, can behandled by roll fed printing presses, and can take printing across thejoint substantially indistinguishable from the printed matter on theremainder of the sheet. This is accomplished by grinding adjacent edgesof the sheets to be combined in such manner as to form a so-calledbutt-lap joint at such edges, substantially the same thickness as theremainder of the sheet. The grinding is effected by moving a sheetcontinuously over supporting means; and while the sheet is thus moved,grinding along an edge by means of a grinding wheel positioned in suchspaced relationship with respect to the sheet supporting means as toengage the moving sheet to the proper extent, and which contrary tousual practice in grinding wheel operations, is rotated in the directionof movement of the sheet.

The grinding wheel is rotated at a peripheral velocity materially inexcess of the speed of movement of the paper being ground in order toprevent burning of or damage to the paper. This has been found to beimportant; and in order further to avoid such damage to or burning ofthe paper, the peripheral velocity of the grinding wheel should be atleast 20 times the speed of movement of the paper. In this connection,the axis of rotation of the grinding wheel is substantiallyperpendicular to the path of movement of and substantially parallel tothe moving sheet being ground, so as to grind out a suitablerectangularly shaped recess along the edge of the sheet being ground, toprovide for a butt lap joint between the adjacent sheets which aresubsequently adhesively combined to provide a sheet of increased width.

Each of the adjacent edges of the sheets to be combined, is groundslightly over /2 the thickness of the sheet so that when an adhesive isapplied, the sheets can be secured together to provide a joint ofsubstantially the same thickness as the remainder of the sheet but yetallowing room for the film of adhesive. Adhesive is applied to at leastone of the ground edges of the adjacent sheets to be combined, but maybe applied to both edges if so desired. After the adhesive is applied,the ground edges of the adjacent sheets are brought together toadhesively unite the same. Pressure may be applied after the sheets arebrought together to insure firm adhesive union but this is notabsolutely necessary, and is not employed in the embodiment of theinvention illustrated herein. Preferably, however, after the sheets arebrought together with the adhesive applied, the combined sheet is thenheated to set the adhesive, after which it is wound into a roll by anyconventional paper roll winding mechanism. In this connection, thewinding mechanism provides the means for moving the separate sheets tobe combined and the combined sheet through the apparatus of thisinvention.

From the preceding, it is seen that this invention has as its objects;among others, the provision of an improved apparatus for the combiningof sheets of paper or the like, particularly relatively thin newsprintpaper, which are simple and economical; provide a joint which issubstantially the same thickness as the remainder of the paper so as toenable the sheet to be wound in a roll and take even unblurred printingacross the joint; enable the combining of the separate sheets to beaccomplished rapidly so ras to be commercially economical; and whichprovide for utilization of, heretofore, waste newsprint mill ends, thusnot only rendering available to the market increased production ofnewsprint paper, but also resulting'in a reduction of cost in themanufacture of such Patented Nov. 13, 1956 3 paper. parent from thefollowing detailed description thereof.

Referring to the drawings, which illustrate an embodiment of theapparatus of the invention presently in successful operation:

Figs. 1A, 1B, 1C and 1D, when laid side byv side in consecutive orderfrom right to left, are a side elevational view of the entire apparatusof the invention; the individual views illustrating portions of suchapparatus.

Figs. 2A, 2B, 2C and 2D are plan views of the portions of the apparatusillustrated, respectively, in Figs. 1A, 1B, 1C and 1D; portions of thestructure being shown broken away and omitted to illustrate moreclearly. the construction.

Fig. 3 is a vertical longitudinal sectional view through one of the likegrinding wheel supporting carriages and associated mechanism of theapparatus, taken in planes indicated by the line 3-3 in Fig. 2A.

Fig. 4 is a transverse section taken in a plane indicated by line 4-4 inFig. 3.

Fig. 5 is a transverse section taken in a plane indicated by line 5-5 inFig. 3.

Fig. 6 is a horizontal sectional view looking up, taken in a planeindicated by line 6-6 in Fig. 3.

Fig. 7 is an enlarged fragmentary transverse sectional view of a portionof an anvil arrangement of the paper supporting means, which cooperateswith the grinding wheel in the grinding of the paper.

Fig. 8 is a section taken in a plane indicated by the line 8-8 in Fig.7.

Fig. 9 is a plan view of a preferred form of adhesive applicator in theapparatus, with portions of the structure omitted to disclose moreclearly the construction; such applicator being shown at the left end ofFigs. 1A and 2A.

Fig. 10 is a vertical section taken in a plane indicated by the line10-14) in Fig. 9; portions of the structure being omitted to disclosemore clearly the construction.

Fig. 11 is a fragmentary section taken in a plane indicated by line11-11 in Fig. 9 illustrating drive gearing in the adhesive applicator.

Fig. 12 is an isometric view of mechanism embodied in the adhesiveapplicator for controlling the thickness of the film of adhesive appliedto the ground edge of one of the sheets of paper.

Fig. 13 is a fragmentary vertical sectional view through a joint betweenadjacent sheets of the combined sheet.

Fig. 14 is a plan view of a sheet of newsprint paper resulting from thecombination of three mill end'sheets by the apparatus of this invention,in which is provided a special body color arrangement of the individualsheets.

General arrangement Referring to Figs. 1A through 1D and Figs. 2Athrough 2D, the apparatus comprises a rigid and strong framework 2composed of suitable metal beams and struts. At one end of framework 2(the right end in Figs. 1A and 2A) is mounted a shaft 3 supporting onemill end roll 4 containing one rolled sheet 411 of the paper to becombined. Spaced to the left of shaft 3 is another shaft 6 (Fig. 2B)supporting another separate roll 7 of a rolled sheet 7a to be combinedwith sheet 4a. As indicated by the direction arrows, sheet 40 iscontinuously moved generally to the left at a constant speed by suitablemeans to be described, and sheet 7:: is continuously moved generally tothe right, by the same means; the respective rolls 4 and 7 beinglaterally spaced to such extent that there will be slight overlapping ofthe adjacent edges 8 and 9 of sheets 4a and 7a, respectively, which arethe edges ground and subsequently united to form a joint in the combinedsheet.

In its travel from roll 4 sheet 4a passes over idler guide rollers 11and 12, and thence through grinding mechanism, illustrated generally byreference numeral 13, which grinds edge 8, and which will besubsequently described Other objects of the invention will become apindetail. From grinding mechanism 13, sheet 4a passes over idler roller 14where it is brought together with sheet 7a (Fig. 1A). In this connectionfrom roll 7, sheet 7a passes over idler rollers 16 and 17, and thencethrough grinding mechanism, indicated generally by reference numeral 18,and of the construction substantially identical to grinding mechanism13. From grinding mechanism 18 wherein edge 9 of sheet 7a is ground,sheet 7a passes through an adhesive applicator indicate dgenerally byreference numeral 19, and which will be subsequently described indetail. In the applicator, adhesive is applied along the ground edge of9 sheet 7a; and from the applicator sheet 7a is brought together withsheet 4a at roller 14. Sheet 7a passes through the applicator (Fig. 1A)by traveling over idler rolls 21 and 22, thence over a roller 23 of theapplicator which is driven by the sheet 7a to drive an adhesive applyingwheel of the applicator in 'a manner to be described. From driven roller23, sheet 74 passes over an idler roller 24, and then to the previouslymentioned roller 14.

From roller 14 where the separate sheets 4a and 7a are brought togetherand combined, the combined sheet then travels in the direction indicatedby the arrows to idler roller 26, idler roller 27, and idler rollers 28,29, 31 and 32 (Fig. 1B). From idler roll 32, the combined sheet thenpasses through a drier, indicated generally by reference character 33(Figs. 1B and 1C), for drying and thermosetting the adhesive; thecombined sheet traveling over idler rolls 34, 36, 37 and 38 in thedrier. Any suitable means may be employed for effecting the drying at asuitable temperature but preferably infra red lamps 39 are utilized,which are mounted on bases 41. The adhesive employed is preferably anysuitable latex or resinous type adhesive which is substantiallycolorless to the extent it will not discolor the paper, and which willdry to a strong but yet pliable and flexible film; the preferredadhesive being a resinous type known as No. 3139 manufactured byNational AdhesivesDivision of National Starch Products, Inc. It willthermoset to a strong film of the character related in about 4 to 5seconds at a temperature of about 225 F.

Upon leaving the last roller 38 of the drier, the combined sheet thenpasses over a floating alining roller 42 (Figs. 1C and 2C); such aliningroller being conventional in paper winding operations. It is journalledat each end in a block 43 slidably mounted in a fixed guideway 44; eachblock 43 being resiliently thrust by a spring 46 against an adjustablestop in the form of set screw 47. Guideways 44 are fixedly secured tosubstantially rigid framework 48 of conventional winding mechanism,indicated generally by reference numeral 49 (Figs. 1D and 2D); thewinding mechanism to be described in detail hereafter. The travel of thecombined sheet between alining roller 42 and winding mechanism 49, isover idler roller 51 (Fig. 1C) and over idler rollers 52, 53 and 54(Fig. 1D), to the wound roll 56 of the combined sheets 4a and 7a.

Support of rolls to be combined The support of each of separate paperrolls 4 and 7 is the same. Consequently, the same reference charactersare applied to each of such supporting means. Each of roll supportingshafts 3 and 6 is journalled in brackets 61 fixedly secured to theframework 2. The shafts can he slipped in endwise through brackets 61and through the respective rolls 4 and 7; the rolls being journalled onthe respective shafts and being held against endwise displacement bycollars 62 carried by the shafts and held in position by set screws 63.The usual flexible straps 64, preferably of leather, and having weights64' at their ends are provided over the respective rolls 4 and 7 toserve as brakes for causing the paper to unwind smoothly from the rolls.

For holding the respective shafts 3 and 6 against endwise displacement,and also providing a means for adjusting each of said shafts axially soas to efiect proper lateral alinement of the respective rolls 4 and 7,each of shafts 3 and 6 has secured to one end thereof a grooved collar65 in which is loosely engaged a forked arm 66. Each arm 66 is alsojournalled in an annular groove in a screw 67 threaded in a suitablebracket on framework 2; hand wheel 68 being provided at the outer end ofeach screw 67. Thus, by manipulation of hand wheel 68 in the properdirection as required, the respective rolls 4 and 7 can be accuratelyalined laterally to provide for the desired extent of overlapping ofsheets 4a and 7a at the location 14 where they are combined. Withrespect to the described newsprint paper for which this invention isfinding great applicability, the extent of overlap is preferably about/4 of an inch.

Grinding mechanism Each of grinding mechanisms 13 and 18, is ofsubstantially the same construction, and comprises a flat table 71fixedly secured to framework 2 by cap screws 72. Such table providespart of the supporting means for the sheet of paper which travels overit, and an edge of which is ground by a grinding wheel 73. The grindingwheel is supported, in a manner to be described in detail, on a carriage74 (Figs. 1A and 3) which is mounted for precise adjustment, so as toprovide for positioning of the grinding wheel in such spacedrelationship with respect to table 71 as to effect engagement of thegrinding wheel 73 with the paper to the desired extent, and thus formthe requisite grinding for the butt lap joint connection when therespective sheets 4a and 7a are combined.

For this purpose, each adjustable carriage 74 has spaced downwardlyextending legs 76 at one end portion thereof, which are pivotallyconnected at their lower ends to the table 71, by means of a cross shaft77 journalled in suitable brackets 78 on the table and to which legs 76are fixedly secured by means of bolts and nuts at 79; the lower ends oflegs 76 being split at 81 to enable clamping of the legs to shaft 77. Atthe end portion of carriage 74 opposite the pivotally connected portionat 77, the carriage is also provided with downwardly extending spacedlegs 82 which have accurately machined lower faces 83 that rest againstthe upper ends of stops in the form of set screws 84. Each of set screws84 is screwed in a bracket 86 on table 71, and is fixedly held inposition by a lock nut 87. Thus, by adjustment of set screws 84 grindingwheel 73 can be accurately and precisely positioned with respect to thesheet of paper being ground.

Means is provided for resiliently holding carriage 74 against stops 84.To accomplish this, table 71 has secured thereto an angle iron 88; andcarriage 74 has secured thereto a similar angle iron 89. A pair oflaterally spaced threaded rods 91 extend loosely through the horizontallegs of each of angle irons 88 and 89; and each of these rods isprovided at its lower end with a lock nut abutment 92 adapted to engagethe horizontal leg of angle iron 88. At its upper end, each rod 91 isalso provided with an adjustable lock nut abutment 93 under which isprovided an abutment collar 94 for a coil spring 96 which is positionedabout each rod 91 between the horizontal leg of bracket 89 and collar94. A centering sleeve 97 is preferably provided about each shaft 91,and extends loosely through the horizontal leg of bracket 89 inengagement at its lower end with the horizontal leg of bracket 88 and atits upper end with collar 94. 'Thus, springs 96 maintain the carriage 74 in resilient engagement with stops 84; and compression on the springs96 can be adjusted at will by regulation of the lock nut abutments toapply the desired force thereon for holding carriage 74 steady.

Mechanism is provided for lifting carriage 7 4 off of stops 84- in casethis is desired for any purpose. With reference to Figs. =1A, 2A and 3,such lmechanism comprises a pair of laterally spaced rods 101 which arepivotally connected at their upper ends in laterally spaced brackets 102fixedly secured to the top of carriage 74.

These rods have a slip fit connection in laterally spaced sleeves 103which are fixedly clamped in proper position to the respective rods 101,by conventional split cla-rnping structures at 104. The lower end ofeach sleeve 1103 is formed with a bear-ing v106 in which is journalled adisc 107. Both of these discs 107 are eccentrically and fixedly securedto a cross shaft 108 which is journalled in spaced depending brackets109 extending downwardly from table 71. At one end thereof, cross shaft108 has secured thereto a handle 111 to enable the cross shaft to beturned. Because of the eccentric mounting of discs 107, it is evidentcarriage 74 can be lifted off stops '84 on the table, by turning crossshaft 108 through handle 1 11.

Referring particularly to Figs. 3, 4, 5 and 6, grinding wheel 73 issupported on a rotatable cross shaft 112, the axis of which extends at aright angle to the path of movement of the sheet of paper being groundand also substantially parallel to such sheet, so that -a truerectangularly shaped groove can be ground along the edge of the sheetfor formation of one of the elements of a butt la-p joint. Cross shaft112 is firmly fixedly mounted for rotation on the underside of carriage7 4, and is journalled in antifriction hearings to provide for minimumvibration. For these purposes, the underside of carriage 74 is formedwith a plurality of transversely extending T-slots 113 which provide forholding a plurality of bearing brackets 114, 116 and 117, by means ofT-bolt and nut connections 1 18; the brackets being accurately held inalinement by transversely extending keys 119.

The T-bolts with the brackets to which they are connected are laterallyslidable in T-slots 113, so that the bearings can be laterally adjustedin any selected position. This adjustment is desirable for at least thecenter bracket 11 6 to provide clearance room for grinding wheel 73depending upon the width of the sheet of paper being ground, and thenumber of sheets being handled by the grinder. Another T-slot 120 isprovided in carriage 74 to provide for attachment of a dresser wheel fordressing grinding wheel 73 when this is desired.

The left hand bracket 11 4 appearing in Fig. 5 has mounted therein anantifriction bearing 1-21; and a hearing housing is formed by means ofcaps 122 secured to the bracket by cap screws 123; the housing providinga lubricant chamber 124 into which lubricant can be introduced whendesired, through normally sealed lubricant passage 126. The centralbearing bracket 116 has secured thereto, by cap screws 127 a pair ofcaps 128 through which extends a sleeve 129 rotatable with shaft 112;the sleeve being split at the ends and clamped to the shaft by nuts 131rotatable therewith. Sleeve 129 has a shoulder 162 against which theinner race of antifriction bearing 133 is clamped by a nut 1 34tightened against a collar 1 35; the bearing being interposed betweensleeve 129 and bracket 116. Caps 128 provide a lubricant chamber 136into which lubricant can be introduced when desired through normallysealed lubricant passages 137.

.The bearing arrangement at the right hand bearing bracket 1 17appearing in Fig. 5 is similar to the bear-ing arrangement at bracket114, being provided with antifriction roller bearing 138 and lubricantchamber 139 into which lubricant can be introduced through normallysealed passage 141. However, the grinding wheel shaft 112 extendsoutside of the bearing structure at bracket 117, to provide a mountingfor driven pulley r142; a nut 143 being screwed on shaft 112 inside oflubricant chamber 139 to abut the inner race of bearing 138 and therebyhold shaft 112 in position through suitable shoulders on the shaft.Pulley 1 42 is driven to rotate shaft 112 and consequently grind-ingwheel 73, by means of belt drive 1 44 connected to a suitable electricmotor 146 mounted on top of carriage 74.

Grinding wheel 7-3 is fixedly secured in an axially adjusted positiondepending upon the width of the paper sheet to provide for proper widthand positioning of the groove being ground, by means of a split sleeve1'51 fixedly held in position by a clamping nut 152; the sleeve beingprovided with a peripheral relief groove 153 to insure even clamping.Sleeve 151 has an annular shoulder 154 against which one face ofgrinding wheel 73 is fixedly clamped by means of a nut 156 screwed onsleeve 151 and bearing against the opposite face of the wheel.

It will be noted from Fig. that grinding wheel 73 is provided with atrue cylindrical grinding face 157 which is parallel to the axis ofshaft 112 and also to the sheet of paper being ground, so as to providefor the type of ground groove in the paper for producing the butt lapjoint connection. It has been found that for best results the grindingwheel should contain an abrasive of very hard fine grit so that sharppoints will not break otf upon wear thereof. A grit size ofapproximately 60 and a silicon carbide abrasive have been found quitesatisfactory for this purpose. Also, for best results, the binder of thewheel should be a resin type binder, such as any suitable phenolformaldehyde resin, so that the wheel is relatively non-heat absorbentto thereby obviate burning of the paper being ground, as the wheel isrotated at an extremely high speed as will be explained more fullyhereafter and generation of heat should be minimized. However, any othertype of grinding wheel can be employed, which is relatively nonheatabsorbent and which has a relatively fine grit abrasive.

The supporting means for the paper at the location where it is ground bywheel 73 is designed to obviate generation of excessive heat which mightotherwise result in damage to or burning of the paper, and also toprovide a firm relatively immovable support for the paper substantiallyonly at the location where it is ground because of the preciseness ofthe grind. With particular reference to Figs. 3, 5, 7 and 8, it will benoted that table 71 is formed with a transversely extending recess 161extending perpendicular to the path of movement of the paper, and inwhich is mounted an accurately machined steel bar 162 which providessupport for a rounded grinding anvil 163 in the form of a rod which isfixedly secured in bar 162, and extends perpendicular to the path ofmovement of the paper. Anvil member 163 is also substantially parallelto and lies in the same plane as the axis of rotation of the grindingWheel.

For fixedly holding bar 162 in recess 161, the bar is provided with acylindrical passage in which is journalled a rod 164; the rod beingprovided with grooves 166 at laterally spaced locations and with curvedcam surfaces 167 at such grooves. Extending through one side 168 of bar162 are a plurality of pins 169, the inner ends of which project intogrooves 166 so as to be capable of being engaged by cam surfaces 167.These pins 169 are held loosely in position in bar 162 by means ofupright pins 171 passing through the top of bar 162 with their lowersends engaging in peripheral grooves 172 in pins 169. From the precedingit will be seen that turning of rod 164 results in a clamping effectwhen cam surfaces 167 ride over the inner ends of pins 169, so that theside 173 of bar 162 opposite to side 168, is rigidly clamped against theadjacent side of recess 161 whereby bar 162 can be fixedly clamped inposition. To elfect turning of rod 164, one end thereof is provided witha non-circular recess 174 to permit insertion of a suitable instrument,such as an Allen wrench, which can be manually turned. Should it bedesired to remove bar 162 for any purpose, this can be readilyaccomplished by turning rod 164 in a direction to loosen the describedclamping structure.

Bar 162 provides an accurate fixed mounting for anvil 163 so that it canbe properly positioned, and held with its axis perpendicular to the pathof movement of the sheet of paper being ground, and substantiallyparallel to and lying in the same plane as the axis of shaft 112, toinsure travel of the sheet in a plane parallel to grinding face 157 ofthe grinding wheel. In this connection, anvil 163 is circular in crosssection, and seats within a groove 176 formed in the top side of bar 162and which is also perpendicular to the path of movement of the paper.Groove 176 is of a depth greater than the radius of anvil 163, and istrapezoidal in cross sectional shape, being wider at the bottom than atthe top. A plurality of spaced set screws 177 extend through side 173 ofbar 162 with their inner ends engaging the anvil 163. By adjustablytightening set screws 177, anvil 163 can be accurately positioned andclamped for the purpose related.

It will be noted from Figs. 1A, 3 and 8 that bar 162 projects above theplane of table 71, and anvil 163 projects above the top side of bar 162.As a result, the sheet of paper being ground travels through the grinderin an arched path, and has only three point contact with the supportingmeans therefor in the grinder, namely over anvil 163 where it is ground,and at the ends of table 71. Thus, frictional resistance to the movementof the sheet being ground is minimized. Also, the supporting of thepaper only by the anvil over which the paper rides at the grinding wheelprovides a narrow zone of support of the paper between anvil 163 and therotating grinding wheel to insure'an accurate grind over the anvil.

At least the portion of anvil 163 where the paperis being ground shouldbe substantially non-porous to paper dust. Otherwise, dust may collectin relatively porous material, building up a frictional layer whichwould result in generation of heat as the paper moves thereover; andthis might cause a spotty or ragged grind, and even might burn thepaper. The most satisfactory material for this purpose has been found tobe dull chrome plated drill rod which is substantially non-porous.However, any other suitable material can be employed in its place, whichis substantially non-porous to the extent that dust cannot collect onthe surface, such as hard glass or diamond. To effect removal ofgrinding dust, an exhaust system is provided, including nozzle member178 to one side of and extending the length of table 71, and which isconnected to an exhaust pipe 179 which in turn is connected to anysuitable exhaust pump (not shown).

In initially setting the grinding wheel by adjustment of carriage 74, sothat the wheel will grind the paper only to the desired depth, theoperator may inadvertently cause the wheel to grind against anvil 163thereby damaging the same. When this occurs the anvil has to be replacedbecause the paper must ride over a relatively smooth non-porous surface.having to replace the entire anvil, it is preferably made in a pluralityof separate parts (Fig. 5) so that only a portion thereof adjacent thegrinding wheel need be removed for replacement should the necessity forreplacement occur.

The mode of grinding is an extremely important feature of thisinvention, as it has been found that grinding wheel 73 should be rotatedin the direction of movement of the paper and at a peripheral speedmaterially in excess of the speed of movement of the paper, which ispreferably at least 250 ft. per minute to effect economy in operation.In effect, the grinding wheel movement overrides the movement of thepaper. With such mode of operation, accurate grinding without damage tothe paper is obtained. If the wheel were rotated in a direction oppositeto the direction of movement of the paper, tearing of relatively thinpaper, ragged grinding or stretching thereof will occur.

For best results, the peripheral speed of grinding wheel 73, which willof course depend upon the diameter of the wheel as well as its speed ofrotation, should not be much lower than 20 times the speed of movementof the paper, the greater such speed of relative movement the better.The maximum peripheral speed of the grinding wheel relative to the paperis determined by the centrifugal forces that the wheel can withstandwithout breaking. Thus withavery fine grit close grained resin bonded Toavoid the necessity of wheel of a diameter of inches, as is preferredherein, the peripheral speed should not exceed much over 75 times thespeed of the paper. A good operating speed is a speed of movement of thepaper of about 500 ft. per minute and a peripheral speed of the grindingwheel of about 15,000 ft. per minute, which is a ratio of about 30 to 1.

Adhesive applicator As previously related, sheet 7a, after passingthrough grinding mechanism 18, has adhesive applied thereto in adhesiveapplicator 19, along its ground edge before it is combined with sheet 4aat roller 14. The preferred adhesive applicator is of the roller type;and the moving sheet of paper 7:: is utilized to drive the adhesiveapplying roller. Referring particularly to Figs. 1A and 2A, and Figs. 9through 12, applicator 19 comprises a pan 181 adapted to contain theadhesive and which is removably mounted in a frame 182. A conventionalrotatable adhesive applying roller 183 is mounted on a cross shaft 184journalled for rotation in the applicator; the roller being rotatablethrough the adhesive in applicator pan 181. Roller 183 is driven in thedirection of movement of the sheet of paper 7a to which the adhesive isapplied, by means of engagement of the paper sheet over the previouslymentioned driven roller 23 which is mounted on a shaft 186 journalled inthe applicator frame. In this connection, it will be noted withreference to Fig. 1A that sheet 7a makes a turn about roller 23 so thatin the applicator it has an upper portion 187 moving to the right withreference to the figure, and a lower portion 188 moving to the left tothe underside of which the adhesive is applied along the ground edge 9.

At one end, shaft 186 carries a sprocket which engages a chain 189 inturn passing around a sprocket on a stub shaft 191 journalled on theapplicator frame. Stub shaft 191 also carries a pinion 192 in engagementwith a gear 193 carried by the shaft 184 upon which adhesive applyingroller 183 is fixedly mounted. The gear ratio is such that roller 183 isdriven at the proper speed with reference to the lower portion 188 ofsheet 70, thus applying the adhesive to the edge portion 9 groundthereon in grinder mechanism 18.

To insure that the adhesive is applied properly along the ground jointand to avoid application of adhesive at a location off the joint, aplate 196 is adjustably mounted on the applicator frame to support andshield section 188 of sheet 7a as it moves through the adhesiveapplicator. The plate is carried by a shaft 197 which is turnablymounted in a bracket 198, and held in adjusted position in the bracketby set screw 199. Ahead of applicator roller 183, plate 196 is formedwith an upright guide flange 201 against which the ground edge of sheet7a is properly guided; and over roller 183, plate 196 is formed with acut-away portion 202 which is of a width just sufficient to expose theground edge of the sheet to the roller.

Means is provided to engage the sides of adhesive roller 183 to wipe offadhesive from such sides asthe adhesive is applied to the ground edge ofthe sheet, and thereby obviate collection of an adhesive mess that mightsoil the paper. As can be seen more clearly from Figs. 9 and 10, suchmeans comprises a pair of side wiper plates 203, each engaging a side ofroller 183. Each plate is fixedly mounted at one end of shaft 204; theopposite end of which is secured to the adhesive applicator frame.

A driven wiper roller 206, which is adjustably mounted with reference toadhesive applicator roller 183, is provided to control the thickness ofthe film of adhesive applied to the paper. This roller is carried by ashaft 207 which is journalled for rotation in a pair of spaced discs208; the discs being fixedly connected adjacent the periphery thereof toa pivot shaft 209 which is pivotally mounted in the frame of theadhesive applicator. Shaft 207 projects beyond one of discs 208; and theprojecting end thereof carries a gear 211 which meshes with another gear212 on driven shaft 184. Hence, the wiper roller 206 is driven from thesame source that applicator roller 183 is driven; the ratio of thegearing 211 and 212 being such as to drive wiper roller 206 at theproper speed with reference to roller 183.

Because of the pivotal mounting of shaft 209, the space between wiperroller 206 and applicator roller 183 can be accurately adjusted to fixthe desired thickness of the film of adhesive applied by applicatorroller 183. For permitting the adjustment and holding wiper roller 206in adjusted position, each of discs 208 is provided with an arcuate slot213 through which projects a screw 214 threaded in the applicator frameand which carries a clamping nut 215 at its inner end adapted to clampagainst a disc 208. Upon loosening of screws 214 the adjustment can beeffected; and upon tightening the screws, the adhesive roller mountingis held in adjusted position. Since the adjustment which will normallybe effected is minute, such adjustment will not interfere with meshingof the teeth of gears 211 and 212. Any suitable thermostat controlledheating mechanism (not shown) can be employed to maintain the adhesivein pan 181 at the desired temperature and viscosity for applying thesame to the paper.

Winding mechanism As is illustrated in Figs. 1D and 2D, the windingmechanism which rewinds the combined sheets 4a and 7a into roll 56comprises a pair of rollers 216 which are spaced apart to form a cradlefor the rewound roll 56. One of rollers 216, the left one appearing inFig. 1D is freely journalled, while the other roller is driven, beingmounted on a shaft which carries pulley 217 connected by a multiple beltdrive connection 218, to a pulley 219 on a journal-led shaft 221. Shaft221 also carries a pulley 222 which is connected by multiple belt driveconnection 223, to a drive pulley 224 driven by any suitable prime mover226. In this connection, the pulley ratios are such as to provide adrive of the desired rate.

The previously mentioned idler roller 54 of the winding mechanism, overwhich the combined sheet passes before formation of roll 56, isrotatably carried in a pair of spaced brackets 227 which are slidablymounted on framework 48 of the winding mechanism, and having each a setscrew 228 to provide for accurate alinement of roller 54 before brackets227 are clamped in position through suitable clamping means 229; thealinement being desirable to insure proper tracking of the combinedpaper to roll 56.

Such Winding mechanism is of conventional construction; and as is usualin mechanisms of this type, roll 56 is formed about a mandrel 231 whichis slidably mounted in spaced upright guideways 232. Roll 56 as it isbeing formed, always rests on the roller cradle which includes the righthand driving roller 216. This roller is driven at a substantiallyconstant desired velocity through the previously described drivingmeans. Hence, the combined sheet, as well as the separate sheets 4a and7a before they are combined, will be pulled through the entire apparatusat a substantially constant velocity; the winding mechanism providingthe sole means for moving the combined sheet and the separate sheets 4aand 7a through the apparatus.

Product Because the butt lap joint connection between the separatesheets 4:: and 7a is of substantially the same thickness as theremainder of the paper, roll 56 will be of substantially constantdiameter throughout. Hence, no problem obtains in winding the combinedsheet into roll 56; or when the paper of roll 56 is to be printed uponin a roll fed newspaper printing press, there is no problem insubsequently feeding the combined sheet of roll 56 to such press. Also,since the combined sheet is of substantially constant thicknessthroughout, including the joint, it can be handled by the printingpress; and the printing will not be blurred or distorted across thejoint.

Fig. 13 illustrates the particular construction of the joint in whichthe adhesive layer is indicated at 241. It will be noted that each ofthe sheets 4a and 7a is ground with a truly rectangularly shaped recessalong the edge to provide for the butt lap joint connection. Withrespect to newsprint paper, which as previously mentioned, isapproximately 0.003 inch thick, the paper is ground to leave a thicknessof 0.00125 inch at the unground edge portion 242 of each sheet. Thisleaves a thickness of approximately 0.00050 inch for the film ofadhesive 241.

In the embodiment of the invention described, two separate sheets 4a and7a are combined but it is to be understood that the apparatus cancombine any desired number of sheets by the described mechanism, and byalinement of the adjacent edges of the adjacent sheets to be combined.For example, if it is desired to combine three sheets, another grindingwheel can be employed in each grinding mechanism 13 and 18, and alsoanother adhesive applicator roller in adhesive applicator 19. Figs. 4and 5 illustrate in phantom lines the position of another grinding wheel243 in grinding mechanism 13 for grinding an edge of an additional sheet244 to be combined with the edge of sheet 7a opposite the edge 9 thereofcombined with sheet 4a; it being understood that grinding mechanism 18will also have an additional grinding wheel at the proper location forthis purpose and adhesive applicator 19 an additional adhesiveapplicator roller to apply the adhesive for securing the additionaljoint. The lateral adjustable mounting for the bearing brackets in thegrinding mechanisms, which support the grinding wheel shaft 112, permitproper positioning of the brackets to carry the additional grindingwheel on the shaft without interference.

Fig. 14 illustrates in plan view a newspaper sheet which is formed ofthree separate combined sheets 246, 247 and 248 of mill end stock. Theyare combined at the joints 249 and 251; the printing on such sheet beingdiagrammatically illustrated and indicated by reference numeral 252. Ifthe mill ends are sufiiciently wide only two separate sheets need becombined.

The invention lends itself very readily to special advertising andpublicity effects. This is so because each of the separate sheets 246,247 and 248 to be combined need not all be of the same usual white bodycolor but can be originally of a difierent body color. For example sheet246 may be pink, sheet 247 white, and sheet 248 green. However, toproduce such effect, each of the sheets need not be of a body colordifferent from the others, as long as at least one of them is of adifierent body color. Such vari-colored sheets when combined willproduce a newspaper sheet having at least one stripe of a body colorthroughout different from that of another sheet; and this creates astriking advertising effect. Thus, the separa e sheets of this inventionneed not be dyed or colored after they are combined to produce suchefiect, which makes for a construction different from that which obtainswhere the diiferent stripes of color are formed by mere printed coloringor overprinting on an integral sheet. This makes for economy when sucheffect is desired, inasmuch as vari-body colored newsprint sheet rollsare produced at the mill from which mill ends are cut.

Although the invention has found great applicability and is presentlyemployed in the production of useful newsprint sheets from waste millends, it is apparent that any other types of paper or sheet materialswhich can be adhesively secured and are relatively flexible, can becombined in the manner related. In this connection because of thespecial grinding apparatus and method, relatively thin flexible sheetsof paper can be combined. Furthermore, the special manner describedherein, with its resultant advantages, of grinding a paper sheet or thelike,

12 which includes rotating a grinding wheel in the direction of movementof the sheet so that it overrides the sheet, is useful alone for thegrinding of any type of paper where grinding of such paper is desiredfor any purpose besides combining of such sheets.

I claim:

1. In apparatus of the character described, meansfor supporting a movingsheet of paper including a table and a rounded anvil member extendingtransversely of the path of movement of the sheet and over which thesheet is adapted to ride, means fixedly mounting the anvil member on thetable with the anvil member projected to provide an arched path ofmovement of the sheet over the table with substantially a single pointcontact of the moving sheet with said anvil member and a substantiallysingle point contact of the sheet at each side of the anvil member, arotatable grinding wheel over the anvil member and having a cylindricalabrasive grining surface posioned over the sheet with the axis ofrotation of the grinding wheel substantially prependicular to the pathof movement of the sheet, a support structure upon which the grindingwheel is mounted, means adjustably supporting said support structure formovement relative to the anvil member, a stop engaging the supportstructure to maintain the grinding surface of said wheel a predeterminedfixed distance from the anvil member whereby the sheet can be ground toa predetermined depth, at least the portion of the anvil membersupporting the portion of the sheet engaged by'thegrinding wheel beingof material substantially non-porous. to paper dust, resilient meansconnected to said support structure to hold the same against said stop,and means including an exhaust nozzle adjacent said anvil to efiectremoval of ground dust.

2. In apparatus of the character described: means for supporting amoving sheet of paper including a table and a rounded anvil memberextending transversely of the path of movement of the sheet and overwhich the sheet is adapted to ride; means fixedly mounting the anvilmember on the table with the anvil member projected to provide an archedpath of movement of the sheet over the table with substantially a singlepoint contact of the moving sheet with said anvil member and asubstantially single point contact of the sheet at each side of theanvil member; a rotatable grinding wheel over the anvil member andhaving a cylindrical abrasive grinding surface positioned over the sheetwith the axis of rotation of the grinding wheel substantiallyperpendicular to the path of movement of the sheet; a supporting memberupon which the grinding wheel is mounted, means for adjusting one ofsaid members relative to the other, of saidmembers, a stop engaging oneof said members to maintain the grinding surface of said wheel apredetermined fixed distance from the anvil member whereby the sheet canbe. ground to a predetermined depth, at least the portion of the anvilmember supporting the portion of the sheet engaged by the grindingwheelbeing of material substantially non-porous to paper dust; resilientmeans connected to said support structure to hold the same against saidstop; and means including an exhaust nozzle adjacent said anvil toeffect removal of ground dust. I

3. In apparatus of the character described: means for supporting amoving sheet of paper including a table and a rounded anvil memberextending transversely of the path of movement of the sheet and overwhich the sheet is adapted to ride; means fixedly mounting the anvilmember on the table with the anvil member projected to provide an archedpath of movement of the sheet over the table with substantially a singlepoint contact of the moving sheet with said anvil member and asubstantially single point contact of the sheet at each side of theanvil member; a rotatable grinding wheel over the anvil member andhaving a cylindrical abrasive grinding surface positioned over the sheetwith the axis of rotation of the grinding wheel substantiallyperpendicular to the path of movement of the sheet; a supporting memberupon which the grinding wheel is mounted, means for adjusting one ofsaid members relative to the other of said members, a stop engaging oneof said members to maintain the grinding surface of said Wheel apredetermined fixed distance from the anvil member whereby the sheet canbe ground to a predetermined depth, at least the portion of the anvilmember supporting the portion of the sheet engaged by the grinding wheelbeing of material substantially non-porous to paper dust; resilientmean; connected to said support structure to hold the same against saidstop; and means including an exhaust nozzle mounted immediately adjacentthe end of said anvil member and circumscribing said end so that gaspassing through said nozzle will be effective over all of the exposedsides of said anvil member thereby to maintain said sides substantiallyfree of ground paper particles.

4. In apparatus of the character described: means for supporting amoving sheet of paper including a table and a rounded anvil memberextending transversely of the path of movement of the sheet and overwhich the sheet is adapted to ride; means fixedly mounting the anvilmember on the table with the anvil member projected to provide an archedpath of movement of the sheet over the table with substantially a singlepoint contact of the mov ing sheet with said anvil member and asubstantially single point contact of the sheet at each side of theanvil member; a rotatable grinding wheel over the anvil member andhaving a cylindrical abrasive grinding surface positioned over the sheetwith the axis of rotation of the grinding wheel substantiallyperpendicular to the path of movement of the sheet; a support structureupon which the grinding wheel is mounted, means adjustably supportingsaid support structure for movement relative to the anvil member, a stopengaging the support structure to maintain the grinding surface of saidwheel a predetermined fixed distance from the anvil member whereby thesheet can be ground to a predetermined depth, at least the portion ofthe anvil member supporting the portion of the sheet engaged by thegrinding wheel being of material substantially non-porous to paper dust;resilient means connected to said support structure to hold the sameagainst said stop; and means including an exhaust nozzle mountedimmediately adjacent the end of said anvil member and circumscribingsaid end so that a gas passing through said nozzle will be effectiveover all of the exposed sides of said anvil member thereby to maintainsaid sides substantially free of ground paper particles.

5. In apparatus of the character described: means for supporting amoving sheet of paper including a table and a rounded anvil memberextending transversely of the path of movement of the sheet and overwhich the sheet is adapted to ride, the length of said anvil memberbeing at least equal to the width of said sheet of paper so that saidsheet will be supported by said anvil over its entire width; meansfixedly mounting the anvil member on the table with the anvil memberprojected to provide an arched path of movement of the sheet over thetable with substantially a single point contact of the moving sheet withsaid anvil member and a substantially single point contact of the sheetat each side of the anvil member; a rotatable grinding wheel over theanvil member and having a cylindrical abrasive grinding surfacepositioned over the sheet with the axis of rotation of the grindingwheel substantially perpendicular to the path of movement of the sheet;a supporting member upon which the grinding wheel is mounted, means foradjusting one of said members relative to the other of said members, astop engaging one of said members to maintain the grinding surface ofsaid wheel a predetermined fixed distance from the anvil member wherebythe sheet can be ground to a predetermined depth, at least the portionof the anvil member supporting the portion of the sheet engaged by thegrinding wheel being of material substantially non-porous to paper dust;resilient means connected to said support structure to hold the sameagainst said stop; and means including an exhaust nozzle adjacent saidanvil to effect removal of ground dust.

6. In apparatus of the character described: means for supporting amoving sheet of paper including a table and a rounded anvil memberextending transversely of the path of movement of the sheet and overwhich the sheet is adapted to ride, the length of said anvil memberbeing at least equal to the width of said sheet of paper so that saidsheet will be supported by said anvil over its entire width; meansfixedly mounting the anvil member on the table with the anvil memberprojected to provide an arched path of movement of the sheet over thetable with substantially a single point contact of the moving sheet withsaid anvil member and a substantially single point contact of the sheetat each side of the anvil member; a rotatable grinding wheel over theanvil member and having a cylindrical abrasive grinding surfacepositioned over the sheet with the axis of rotation of the grindingwheel substantially perpendicular to the path of movement of the sheet;a support structure upon which the grinding wheel is mounted, meansadjustably supporting said support structure for movement relative tothe anvil member, a stop engaging the support structure to maintain thegrinding surface of said wheel a predetermined fixed distance from theanvil member whereby the sheet can be ground to a predetermined depth,at least the portion of the anvil member supporting the portion of thesheet engaged by the grinding wheel being of material substantiallynon-porous to paper dust; resilient means connected to said supportstructure to hold the same against said stop; and means including anexhaust nozzle adjacent said anvil to effect removal of ground dust.

References Cited in the file of this patent UNITED STATES PATENTS396,553 Fowle Jan. 22, 1889 1,303,027 Carr May 6, 1919 1,634,997 JonesJuly 5, 1927 1,804,537 Meacher May 12, 1931 1,837,821 Holmes Dec. 22,1931 1,950,030 Hawes Mar. 6, 1934 2,180,433 Page Nov. 21, 1939 2,217,306Burrill Oct. 8, 1940 2,252,818 Somes Aug. 19, 1941 2,263,536 Dike Nov.18, 1941 2,277,373 Somes Mar. 24, 1942 2,296,934 Kirkman Sept. 29, 19422,358,572 Hamilton Sept. 10, 1944 2,392,375 Gardella Jan. 8, 19462,431,035 Goepert et a1 Nov. 18, 1947 2,671,990 Reed Mar. 16, 19542,671,991 Thorsell Mar. 16, 1954 FOREIGN PATENTS 423,559 Great BritainFeb. 4, 1940 OTHER REFERENCES Chase, Modern Plastics, vol. 27, No. 10,June 1950, pages 89, 92 and 94.

